USA Bus Lines

How can someone compete with the government?

About 5 years ago my county, which is in a very rural part of PA, started public transportation. At first it was only 1 bus doing local stuff, then they started another bus that would take people 50 miles away into the city twice a day. Knowing that I could do better I started a bus service with 3 charter buses about 3 years ago. I don't do local service and run my buses into the city around rush hr time, so I get most of the workers. I do well, but we're certainly not rich. Lately, I've heard a few complaints from my workers about the city drivers. They are unionized, make more money, and have a ton more benefits, like health care, paid vacation, 401k plan, etc. I can't do that stuff. Heck, I'm only running 3 buses! The problem is that the city can't do that either. They never make any money and consistantly run a deficit of over $2 million, but the state picks up the tab. They don't fire anyone, don't cut back on benefits, and don't cut back on their service. Now my employees are talking of unionizing. How can I compete with the gov't? How can I compete with a bunch of idiots running a bus company that has nearly unlimited funding and doesn't care how much money they lose? My rates are better, my people are friendlier, and my buses are on time. I've heard many stories about elderly cancer patients being stuck at the hospital because the city bus just didn't show up for one of their trips into the city. That's just inexcusible. But, how can I, or anyone else, compete with them despite all their screwups? It's like I'm just buying time until they run me out.

Public Comments

1. You can't. The city buses aren't out to make a profit. It is a transportation service provided for very little money and funded by tax dollars. Perhaps you could apply for federal aid or something but there wouldn't be any reason for them to level the playing field for you when you are only out there for personal gain. It works the same way with the postal service yet companies like DHL and UPS are still able to compete. Taxi companies are another example. They fill a niche for people who don't want to take a bus but don't have a car. You just have to push on through.